PODGY pets whose bark is definitely not as big as their bite are being given some slimline tonic in time for Christmas.

Around 40 monster munchers have been enrolled in a diet club being run by Damson House Veterinary Clinic in Solihull.

The idea is the brainchild of veterinary nurse Emma Hart, who founded the Podgy Pets Club at the Damson Lane clinic two years ago due to the high number of overweight animals she was seeing.

"Obesity in humans leads to all sorts of problems and it's much the same with animals," said Miss Hart. "Being overweight puts extra strain on the limbs and can lead to joint problems and ligament problems. And overweight cats are at a particular risk of diabetes."

Miss Hart, who has been working at the clinic for more than three years, said animals shedding the pounds is also a weight off the owner's mind.

"The pets become overweight because they have been eating the wrong kinds of food," said the 27-year-old. "We've had dogs that enjoy eating spare ribs and curries with their owners on a Saturday night, which are loaded with calories.

"It's all about educating the owners and finding low calories treats - they mean well, but they have been giving their pets the wrong foods." Once the owners have enrolled their pets on the course, the battle of the bulge begins.

"We have cats, dogs and rabbits on diets and they come every week," Miss Hart added. "They are all on Hills reduction diets and eat lots of vegetables and the dogs have fruit smoothies."